POLICING JERSEY 2012
States of Jersey Police Policing Plan 2012
CONTENTS
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Comments of the Home Affairs Minister | 2 |
Message from the Chief Officer | 3 |
Our Focus for 2012 | 4 |
Our Commitments | 5 |
Noticing the Difference | 6 |
Proving Value for Money | 9 |
Delivering the Plan | 11 |
Policing Together | 21 |
Performance Matters | 24 |
COMMENTS OF THE HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER
The Annual Policing Plan is an important document because in it and through it the Minister for Home Affairs approves the Policing Priorities and style for the next 12 months.
It must be obvious to anybody living in Jersey, and particular to those who live and work in the centre of St Helier, that the arrival of Chief Officer Bowron has brought a substantial change in the emphasis and style of policing.
In particular, the increased visible presence of the police and the changes in uniform have led to a more approachable Police Force. However, this is not merely a matter of presentation and style, because it is backed by real reductions in the level of crime and improvements in public safety, particularly in St Helier on Friday and Saturday nights. The 2012 Policing Plan reflects these changes and at the same time gives greater emphasis to Road Safety, to Crime Prevention and to the provision of Value for Money. At the same time the re-introduction of bicycles and motor bikes and other measures will give greater flexibility to the Police Force.
I am confident that the successful implementation of the 2012 Policing Plan will lead to yet further reductions in crime levels and improved public safety and I am very happy to approve this Plan.
Ian Le Marquand
Minister for Home Affairs
January 2012
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OFFICER
Welcome to our 2012 Policing Plan.
I am delighted that the past year has seen crime in Jersey reduce by over 12%, further enhancing our Island’s reputation as a very safe community. It is also the largest annual reduction in crime in Jersey since 2002. This Plan sets out how we aim to build upon this success and continue to improve the policing services provided to our community in 2012.
The next two years promise to be challenging as the impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review truly takes effect. This will entail unprecedented reductions in our budget. Within this context, I would caution against any assumption that the levels of safety and security we currently enjoy can be taken for granted. Ten years ago, recorded crime in Jersey was over 50% higher than it is now. Effective policing is about the prevention as well as the detection of crime and States of Jersey Police need to retain the initiative that we have worked hard to secure.
During 2011, we have continued to plan or implement significant changes to the way we work, from our organisational structure through to key work processes. Inevitably, budget constraints have been a key catalyst for these changes but we are intent on making the best possible use of the resources at our disposal to ensure the safety and security of our community.
This Plan sets out a clear direction for the policing of Jersey. It identifies four key policing commitments and describes how we are aligning resources and activity to ensure we deliver against our promises. I trust that readers will be able to recognise the plan coming to fruition through positive action in the year ahead.
Community safety is, of course, a shared responsibility and we work together with many partner agencies to reduce crime and help protect people from harm. This Plan includes, for the first time, a contribution from the Honorary Police as I felt it appropriate to recognise the unique partnership between our services.
Thank you for looking at the Plan. We are a part of our community, we don’t simply police it, and we aim to provide a service that makes a difference and makes our community proud. I am sure that, by working hard to deliver the commitments we have made, we will inspire public confidence.
Mike Bowron, QPM
Chief Officer
OUR FOCUS FOR 2012
States of Jersey Police have a key role to play in helping ensure that Jersey’s prosperity and way of life can be sustained and improved. Effective policing that helps prevent crime, keep order and bring offenders to justice is at the heart of a safe, just and thriving community.
In 2011, crime in Jersey fell to its lowest level in the last 10 years. We are proud of this achievement but also recognise that low levels of crime cannot be taken for granted. We want to keep making a difference. Individually and as an organisation, we will do our utmost to to keep Jersey a safe and special place –
An Island where residents, businesses and visitors are safe and feel secure
Making it Happen
It is our responsibility to provide an efficient and effective service that inspires public confidence and trust. We will work hard to secure a reputation for approachable, friendly community policing, exemplary professionalism and a tenacious determination to cut crime and catch criminals.
This Plan is based upon four commitments which will underpin the delivery of policing for our community -
- We will provide visible, responsive community policing
- We will protect our community from harm
- We will be resolute in bringing offenders to justice
- We will provide value for money
Strategy Context
The Plan directly supports the States of Jersey’s strategy to deliver high quality, accessible, value for money services for the benefit our community and to position the Island as a reputable international business centre and popular tourist destination.
OUR COMMITMENTS
Our approach is set out in these four key commitments to the people of Jersey.
We will provide visible, responsive community policing
In delivering this commitment we will:
- Provide a visible policing presence to uphold the law and reassure the public
- Provide an efficient and effective response when people need our help
- Work with local communities to ensure policing issues are tackled promptly and effectively
- Deliver an effective capability to police major incidents, emergencies and events
We will protect our community from harm
In delivering this commitment we will:
- Manage serious and dangerous offenders residing in our community
- Help protect vulnerable people against abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Protect the public from national security threats, especially terrorism and other extremist activity
- Help protect Jersey against economic crime
- Disrupt, detect and deter activity by organised crime groups
- Target the prolific offenders responsible for high volumes of crime in our community
We will be resolute in bringing offenders to justice
In delivering this commitment we will:
- Investigate crimes and, wherever possible, bring criminals to justice
- Provide a high standard of service to victims and witnesses of crime
We will provide value for money
In delivering this commitment we will:
- Ensure that our staff are trained, equipped and developed to provide the best service possible
- Measure and manage our performance in order to target resources and deliver effective results
- Take advantage of every opportunity to reduce bureaucracy, cut waste and duplication in order to deliver a leaner, more effective service
- Work with partners to procure and deliver services jointly where appropriate
- Promote better awareness of what we do and why we do it to help the public make informed decisions about the return they receive from their investment in policing
NOTICING THE DIFFERENCE
In 2011, over 500 fewer crimes were committed in Jersey compared to 2010. The focus on our four Commitments is designed to consolidate and build upon this success in 2012. We aim to drive overall levels of crime down even further but we also want to make a tangible difference in a number of key areas -
Retail Crime and Security
During 2011, we ran a pilot project to enhance the visible police presence in the town centre through the introduction of a dedicated Town Policing Unit (the “TPU”).
Town retailers are telling us that the trial made a big difference in reducing shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. We have listened to their feedback and will formally establish the TPU with specific objectives designed to help ensure that the town centre is a vibrant and welcoming environment for everyone to visit and enjoy.
Road Safety
In 2011, we focussed considerable effort on road safety policing, securing a noticeable increase in prosecutions for speeding, mobile phone and red light offences and careless driving. Injury road traffic collisions reduced by 9% over the year and those involving serious injury fell by over 36%. In 2012, we will maintain the impetus on road safety enforcement, aided by the re-introduction of the Police motorbikes, and hope to continue helping making our roads safer.
Operation Hornet
Although the number of homes burgled in 2011 was at its lowest for two years, the overall number of burglaries was higher than in 2010. This is because the number of incidents involving building sites, beachside cafes and garden sheds or garages all increased.
In 2012, we will implement Operation Hornet, which will maintain a resolute focus on known and suspected burglars, whilst providing appropriate support and advice to businesses and homeowners to help make burglaries harder to commit.
Policing the Night Time Economy
In 2011, we implemented Operation Visible, which was designed to improve our policing of St Helier’s night time economy. In particular, we adopted a rigorous approach to tackling public order and offences on licensed premises. This strategy contributed to some significant results:
- The number of serious assaults committed in the streets, pubs and clubs of St Helier at night fell by nearly 30%
- About 70% of the people who committed serious violence in the streets, pubs and clubs of St Helier at night were brought to justice
In 2012, we will work hard to sustain this performance and help promote a sense of safety and security in the town at night. We aim to spend more time preventing crime and disorder through high visibility patrols and licensing checks. We will also remain focussed on catching violent criminals. Violent offenders should wake up to the sober reality that they will be held to account.
Community Engagement
Area | Parishes | Lead Responsibility |
West | St Brelade St Ouen St Peter | Inspector Harry Carre/A Shift |
St Helier | St Helier | Inspector Mary Le Hegarat/B Shift |
St Saviour | St Saviour | Inspector Tim Barnes/C Shift |
East | St Clement Grouville St Martin | Inspector Alan Williamson/D Shift |
North | St John St Lawrence St Mary Trinity | Inspector Andy Bisson/E Shift |
In 2011, we delivered community policing across the Island through a system which gave each of our five Duty Officers and their uniformed shifts lead responsibility for a defined geographic area. The table shows how responsibility is divided between the Duty Officers as at the beginning of 2012.
At the end of 2011, we reviewed this geographic policing model and identified opportunities for improvement. In 2012, we aim to refine the system by identifying dedicated local officers within each shift who are known to and knowledgeable about their local community.
Easy access to technology and the growing use of mobile internet means that an online presence is a part of many people’s everyday lives. In 2012, we will also explore how best to use online services as an opportunity to inform, engage with and reassure the public at their convenience.
SOME INDIVIDUALS WILL NOTICE DIFFERENCES TOO…
In 2012, we will be making changes to working practices that will make a tangible difference to the quality of service received by many of the people with whom we engage on a regular basis.
Victims and Witnesses
The criminal justice system relies heavily upon victims and witnesses to give evidence in support of prosecutions. We recognise that many people may find this a daunting prospect. This is why we have established a Witness Care Unit, staffed by Police Support Volunteers[1] who work hand in hand with Victim Support[2] to provide support to victims and witnesses attending court. As cases proceed through the Criminal Justice System, our Witness Care Officers will keep in touch with victims and witnesses to:
- explain the court process discuss any concerns they may have
- arrange via Victim Support for pre-trial visits to the court
- update them with any changes to court dates
- In con-conjunction with our partners offer help and support, particularly where they may have specialist needs.
In 2012, this will be underpinned by a new Witness Charter setting out standards for victim and witness care. We intend that all partners in the criminal justice system will sign up to the Charter.
Vulnerable Detainees
A significant number of offenders with mental health issues come into contact with the police each year, as well as others who simply require help or medical care. We are concerned Police custody is not a suitable environment for many of these people and will continue to seek partnership solutions that provide alternative facilities and support. We will also work with partner agencies to ensure, where appropriate, vulnerable people are diverted from the criminal justice system.
In October 2011, we worked with Social Services to introduce an Appropriate Adult Scheme giving vulnerable detainees access to professionally trained Appropriate Adults within an hour of coming into custody. This ensures they receive independent advice and guidance and their specific needs are met whilst in Police custody. In 2012, we will embed and further enhance this service.
Prolific Offenders
One of the reasons why crime is so low in the Island is our unrelenting focus on habitual offenders. In 2012, we intend to make it even harder for these people to cause harm in our community.
Where individuals pose a dangerous threat to the community or their partners and families, they will find us working with other agencies to protect their victims and manage their behaviour. Others who commit burglaries, shoplift or peddle drugs to support their lifestyles will also find that our newly established Priority Crime Team is there to ensure they will have no place to hide.
PROVIDING VALUE FOR MONEY
In 2012, we will continue to make the best possible use of the funding and resources we are provided with in order to reduce crime, protect vulnerable people and build public confidence.
Impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review
2012 is the second year of the States of Jersey’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) which aims to significantly reduce public sector expenditure over three years. While we will continue to consolidate and adjust to the cost saving measures already introduced for 2012, we must also prepare a further cut of £843,000 in 2013.
Providing policing around the clock, 365 days a year is inevitably people intensive and about 85% of our budget is committed to staffing. It is inevitable, therefore, that the CSR savings will impact on the Police establishment. If other savings cannot be found, for example, the 2013 saving alone is equivalent to 15 constable posts. This would take our authorised strength back to 1988 levels. By comparison, the current cuts in England and Wales will reduce overall Police strength there back to 2003 levels.
The impact of our budget cuts must be seen in this context. Police numbers in the UK are contracting following a decade of growth. We have no such buffer to ease the impact of the CSR.
Looking to the Future
At the same time, we must plan for the future and take into account the potential impact of issues such as our ageing population and increased migration. Given the the growing role of technology in criminal activity, similar rates of crime may have a more severe impact because it increases our community’s exposure to offenders living outside Jersey. Such issues will undoubtedly pose new policing challenges. We will work hard to accommodate the CSR cuts whilst seeking to secure our capacity and capability for the future.
What will we do differently in 2012?
Implement a project programme to deliver the savings required for the 2013 phase of the CSR
During 2011, we have identified or already started work on a series of projects designed to deliver the savings required by the 2013 phase of the CSR.
We will review our workforce mix of Police and civilian staff
Compared to most UK Police Forces, a high proportion of our establishment is made up of police officers. This is due to the unique demands of island policing. Our geographic location means we cannot rely on immediate reinforcement from neighbouring Forces if the need arises. In addition, our officers are trained to carry out a much broader range of specialist roles than a typical UK officer. This ‘multi-hatting’ means that trained officers can be called away from their normal duties at any time to carry out specialist functions such as firearms, surveillance, search or road traffic collision investigation. Reducing the Police establishment decreases the pool of officers from which to draw these specialists and increases the proportion of available Police time spent on training.
Nevertheless, there are a range of day-to-day functions which do not require warranted Police powers. In addition, some roles are so specialist (eg; computer forensics) that it makes sense to employ civilian staff with the relevant expertise. During 2012, we will develop and implement a workforce modernisation programme that will deliver a leaner Police establishment and reduce cost whilst managing the risks associated with organisational capacity and resilience.
We will identify opportunities for increased cooperation with Guernsey Police
During 2011, we began working with Guernsey Police to identify opportunities for both Forces to save money and increase operational resilience through joint initiatives. These might include:
- Joint training programmes
- Shared purchase and use of specialist equipment
- Specialist deployment, eg; public order and firearms
- Major Crime Investigation support
- Major Incident management
We will develop a process modernisation programme designed to increase efficiency
The creation of the Criminal Justice Department has entailed significant organisational restructuring and wholesale changes to processes and job roles. During 2012, we will look to maintain the momentum of that project by applying the lessons learned to other areas of the business.
We will work with the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service (JCIS) to deliver efficiency savings
During 2012, we will work with JCIS to identify opportunities to save money and increase operational resilience through joint initiatives. These might include:
- Joint surveillance and search capacity and capability
- Procurement of forensic services
- Rationalisation of accommodation at the ports
Continue to support plans to relocate Police Headquarters into new accommodation
It is to be hoped that 2011 finally brought the search for a suitable site for a new Police headquarters to a close. In the meantime, the Service continues to occupy conversions of a 1950s school, a knitwear factory and a 19th century arsenal. None were designed for the needs of modern policing, particularly with regard to custody accommodation, scenes of crime facilities and IT/communications infrastructure. The age and condition of these buildings continues to require significant investment in maintenance and their shortcomings give rise to human rights and health and safety concerns. The Summerland factory site was occupied as essential temporary accommodation on the understanding that a new headquarters would be ready for occupation in 2005. The ongoing cost in unbudgeted rental expenditure is equivalent to about four police salaries.
DELIVERING THE PLAN
This section explains the core functions of each of our four key service areas. It also highlights the changes planned in each service area to ensure that we deliver our four Commitments efficiently and effectively.
ROLES, RESOURCES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Structure
States of Jersey Plan is organised around four key service areas. The key change to our organisation structure is the creation of the Criminal Justice Department from within existing resources. The purpose is to free up officers to focus on frontline policing whilst helping to bring more offenders to justice by improving the management of investigations.
POLICING TOGETHER
The Honorary Police make a significant contribution to community safety in Jersey. Not only do they provide an informal policing service at the heart of their parish communities but they are also the gatekeepers to our unique criminal justice system.
This is our first Policing Plan to include a contribution from the Honorary Police. It demonstrates how the States and Honorary Police complement one another and sets out how we will work together to make the most of the opportunities presented by Jersey’s distinctive system of policing.
THE HONORARY POLICE PERSPECTIVE
The policing of our Island is a responsibility shared between the States of Jersey Police and the Honorary Forces of each parish. We therefore take a keen interest in the Annual Policing Plan and welcome the opportunity to contribute to the 2012 edition.
The format of the Plan lends itself to a brief review of how our work complements and supports our professional colleagues in their declared intent to focus on their four Policing Commitments.
Visible, responsive community policing
Community Policing
Many of the tasks performed by the Honorary Police serve to improve the quality of life for their parishioners and contribute greatly to the social cohesion of our parishes. These include monitoring licensed premises, firearms suitability assessments, welfare and property checks, community patrols and traffic management. We provide the means by which local people can solve local problems at parish level.
Incident Response
A Memorandum of Understanding between the States and Honorary Police enables the Police Control Room to identify incidents where we can provide the first response or attend to provide support.[6]
Road Safety
In 2011, the Honorary Police were responsible for about 15% of all road safety enforcement interventions, including the detection of about 38% of all reported speeding offences
Major Incidents and Events
The Honorary Police provide an invaluable service in the policing of major events such as the Battle of Flowers, the International Air Display and Jersey Live. We also offer a vital resource in the event of major incidents and emergencies.
Operation Visible
The St Helier Honorary Police support the policing of the town’s night time economy by providing CCTV operators, licensing checks and patrols in support of Operation Visible.
Protective Services
Primary responsibility for the investigation of serious crime and the delivery of protective services rests with the States of Jersey Police but the resource capacity we offers provides particular benefits:
Prolific and Dangerous Offenders
The Honorary Police help manage the activity of prolific offenders by –
- conducting visits to ensure compliance with curfew orders imposed by the courts
- helping gather intelligence on key individuals identified through a joint tasking process
- participating in the MAPPA process to help plan the management of dangerous offenders
Missing Persons
About 650 people were reported as either missing or absent without authorisation from children’s care homes in Jersey during 2011. In cases where a missing person is considered to be at particularly high risk of harm, the capacity of the Honorary Police to support searches with resources and detailed parish knowledge is invaluable.
Bringing offenders to justice
The Criminal Justice System
The Honorary Police form an integral part of Jersey’s unique criminal justice system. The States Police have a role to investigate and detect crime whereas the Centenier, the elected community representative, decides at which point an offender should enter the justice system, if at all.
Community Intelligence
Honorary officers provide an effective and powerful network of local knowledge that criss-crosses the Island.
Value for money
This section gives an idea of the day-to-day contribution made by the Honorary Police to the policing of Jersey. Without us, there is no doubt that the capacity of the States of Jersey Police would have to be strengthened significantly. Nevertheless, the most significant savings to the public purse are derived from our role in the criminal justice system. The Parish Hall Enquiry system diverts many people from the formal criminal justice process, with all the costs entailed in running courts, nor does Jersey incur the costs of running a large prosecution service because Centeniers present prosecution cases in the Magistrate’s Court.
Working Together in 2012
In 2012, the States and Honorary Police will work together to:
- ensure effective and coordinated delivery of community policing in each parish
- develop better systems for sharing intelligence
- coordinate delivery of enhanced road safety enforcement
- consider and, where appropriate, implement proposed changes arising from the current review of criminal justice processes
In these times of financial austerity, there is significant pressure on the public sector to cut costs. At the same time, we must retain public confidence and trust. It is therefore vital that we continue to provide demonstrable value for money through efficient and effective policing of the crime and disorder issues that matter most to our community.
MEASURING OUR PERFORMANCE
The overarching aim of this Plan is to deliver a policing service that helps keep Jersey a safe and special place –
An Island where residents, businesses and visitors are safe and feel secure
Overall progress towards this goal is monitored against a set of key performance measures. The outcomes for the people we serve should be:
- Low levels of recorded crime
- Low levels of the most serious crimes
- A high proportion of crime resulting in offenders being brought to justice
- Low levels of road traffic collisions resulting in injury
- Strong public perceptions of community safety
- High levels of trust and confidence in the Police
We aim to achieve positive results against all these outcomes whilst working within our prescribed budget for 2012.
Measuring Key Performance Outcomes
We recognise that the likelihood of these outcomes being achieved often depends not only upon the Police but also on other agencies and wider influences in society. Whilst the Police may be best placed to measure an outcome, this does not mean we are solely responsible for the result.
Measuring outcomes is invariably complex. If we strive for the simple, we risk making policy and resource investment decisions on the basis of simplistic and inadequate information. We understand, for example, that the level of recorded crime is often seen as the definitive measure of police effectiveness. However, we would caution against placing too much reliance on any single performance indicator without regard to the context. Recorded crime, for example, is greatly influenced by factors such as proactive policing of drugs offences, greater awareness of child protection issues and victims being more confident in reporting sensitive crime to the police.
The outcome indicators published in this Policing Plan are therefore underpinned by detailed performance and workload measures which are used to inform management decisions. Comprehensive performance data and analysis will be published regularly during 2012 in order to ensure that the public are provided with a proper insight into local crime trends.
KEY PERFORMANCE OUTCOME MEASURES
Levels of Recorded Crime |
Number of crimes per 1,000 population |
Levels of the Most Serious Offences |
Number of burglaries per 1,000 population |
Number of grave and criminal assaults per 1,000 population |
Number of robberies per 1,000 population |
Number of rapes per 1,000 population |
Offenders Brought to Justice |
Percentage of crimes solved |
Percentage of grave and criminal assaults solved |
Percentage of robberies solved |
Percentage of rapes solved |
Number of prosecution cases brought in relation to Class A drugs supply |
Road Safety |
Number of road traffic collisions resulting in injury per 1,000 population |
Number of road traffic collisions resulting in fatal or serious injury per 1,000 population |
Public Perceptions of Community Safety |
% of people who consider their neighbourhood to be very/fairly safe |
Satisfaction with public safety and security in the town centre by day |
Satisfaction with public safety and security in the town centre by night |
A set of ‘fear of crime’ indicators showing the % of people who are worried that: - they might become a victim of burglary in the next 12 months
- they might become a victim of violent crime in the next 12 months
- their vehicle/property might be vandalised in the next 12 months
- their vehicle might be stolen in the next 12 months
- they might be abused/threatened in the street in the next 12 months
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Trust and Confidence in States of Jersey Police |
% of people who agree States of Jersey Police do a good job of policing Jersey |
% of people who are confident they would receive a good service if they needed the Police |
% of crime victims who agree that States of Jersey Police do a good job of policing Jersey |
% of crime victims who are satisfied with the service provided by the States of Jersey Police |
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